Yep. I am done. This will be my last book blog post. Forever. When something you started for fun feels more like work, it's time to stop. So I am stopping. Because writing about the books I read suddenly feels like another job and between my teaching job, being a wife and mother and the sole cleaner/laundress of the house, I can't take on one more job. I am having flashbacks to senior year of college when I was writing about Shakespeare and Chaucer and all I wanted to do was read for fun. So now I am going to read for fun and I'll be happy to talk with anyone who wants to listen about the books I read. I'm just not going to write about them anymore.
I have read a lot of books over the years and I am so glad that I have recorded what I read and how I felt about what I read. It's actually kind of fun to look back and re-read posts and remember what I was thinking about when I read certain books. Lots of times the emotions come back to me, too, and I feel what I felt when I was typing. I am certainly not upset that I took the time to write it all down. It was good for me. I needed to do it. But I don't feel the same need anymore.
It would've been nice, too, had I met my 52 books challenge this one last time. But I think that not meeting the challenge shows that my heart just isn't in it the same way anymore. I have different priorities that are keeping me from reading as fast as I used to and I am not sure that I want to read fast anymore anyway. I have reached the point in my life where books and words are to be savored. And where life is so precious I don't want to miss it because I need to get a book finished in a week. And where I choose to read books that are 1000 pages long and those books CAN'T be read in a week, nor should they.
I recall writing last year these same sorts of words and indicating that my blog posts would be quick and to the point and that I might not even read 52 books this year (thank you, Outlander series). Well, it all came true but now I have stepped one step further and have just decided that I can't keep up with this blog even more. The beginning of a new year seems as good of a time as any to stop so here I shall end this endeavor. I grew as a reader and a writer and I suspect some of you out there got a few good book recommendations, as a result. But it's time for me to just read. Just read.
But, I can't leave you without my Top 10 Favorites for the year (in case you only have time to read 10), so here they are. And there are actually 17. Who can ever pick just 10?
In no particular order... (except Number 1 because it's my new favorite book)
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
2. Dragonfly in Amber/Voyager/Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
3. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
4. The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
5. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
6. Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes
7. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
8. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
9. The Kitchen House/Glory Over Everything by Kathleen Grissom
10. Paperboy by Vince Vawter
11. The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman
12. The Mr. Terupt Trio of books by Rob Buyea
Happy reading!
-Dodie
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
#48: Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
This past September, I binge watched Gilmore Girls. All 7 seasons. All 22 episodes per season. I can't believe I never watched the show when it was originally aired (but after reading Graham's book I suspect it was because I was too busy watching Friends). I can't believe it because I am Rory. Maybe not as quick witted nor as tall and skinny but otherwise I am Rory. Oh well. I've watched them all now.
And I have watched the Netflix re-boot. And I watched "Fall" twice and cried both times. I love this show. Love.
So, I also watched Rachael Ray when she had Luke/Scott and Lorelai/Lauren on her show and after hearing about Lauren Graham's new book, I had to order it and read it. I just knew it was going to give me my GG fix. I was wrong. The book is about Lauren Graham's life, which I should've expected and while it does have a couple of chapters about GG, it didn't have enough for me. I loved those chapters and cried while I read her journal entries from the reboot. And I am hoping, with Lauren, that the ending is a cliffhanger, not the end.
It can't be the end. It was a total cliffhanger. Total.
If you are a GG fan, you should read this book. Even though it doesn't have a lot of GG stuff in it, it's still a cool read. I now know lots of information about Lauren Graham that I never knew before. LOTS. She's an amazing woman. So smart and so talented. And so cool. I'd like to know her and be her friend.
But surely she's not done playing Lorelai. Surely. It was a cliffhanger. Right???
Happy reading!
-Dodie
And I have watched the Netflix re-boot. And I watched "Fall" twice and cried both times. I love this show. Love.
So, I also watched Rachael Ray when she had Luke/Scott and Lorelai/Lauren on her show and after hearing about Lauren Graham's new book, I had to order it and read it. I just knew it was going to give me my GG fix. I was wrong. The book is about Lauren Graham's life, which I should've expected and while it does have a couple of chapters about GG, it didn't have enough for me. I loved those chapters and cried while I read her journal entries from the reboot. And I am hoping, with Lauren, that the ending is a cliffhanger, not the end.
It can't be the end. It was a total cliffhanger. Total.
If you are a GG fan, you should read this book. Even though it doesn't have a lot of GG stuff in it, it's still a cool read. I now know lots of information about Lauren Graham that I never knew before. LOTS. She's an amazing woman. So smart and so talented. And so cool. I'd like to know her and be her friend.
But surely she's not done playing Lorelai. Surely. It was a cliffhanger. Right???
Happy reading!
-Dodie
#46 and #47: Gated and Astray by Amy Christine Parker
Gated tells the story of Lyla Hamilton and her family and friends that compose the Community. Led by Pioneer, the Community is a group of people hand selected by The Brethren to be the only humans left on Earth during the end of days. (If this sounds a little bothersome to you, it should. It should raise red flags all over the place.) The Community is wary of Outsiders and when Lyla meets a handsome Outsider named Cody, she begins to question all that she's been raised to believe. (Hooray Lyla--please...question away!)
For me, Gated was a total page turner and I loved the story, even though I was completely baffled by the Community and their belief system and was fearful for Pioneer' followers every step of the way. I even forgot at times that this was a book written for teenagers. Astray, however, was not as compelling for me and while I was glad in the end that I read it and was able to achieve closure on the story, it did not have me turning pages like Gated did. I do think, however, that it's necessary to read both novels in order to get the complete story.
While these books are written for young adults, I think that it would be hard to actually discuss a lot of the plot and themes of the books with teenagers. I can't say that I'd ever recommend these books to be read at school, either. Perhaps if they are in the library and a child checked them out independently, maybe, but never as a novel study. Never. I think as a teacher you'd be playing with fire if you read these books in class. I don't usually advocate censorship in the classroom, but I feel compelled to do so this time.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
For me, Gated was a total page turner and I loved the story, even though I was completely baffled by the Community and their belief system and was fearful for Pioneer' followers every step of the way. I even forgot at times that this was a book written for teenagers. Astray, however, was not as compelling for me and while I was glad in the end that I read it and was able to achieve closure on the story, it did not have me turning pages like Gated did. I do think, however, that it's necessary to read both novels in order to get the complete story.
While these books are written for young adults, I think that it would be hard to actually discuss a lot of the plot and themes of the books with teenagers. I can't say that I'd ever recommend these books to be read at school, either. Perhaps if they are in the library and a child checked them out independently, maybe, but never as a novel study. Never. I think as a teacher you'd be playing with fire if you read these books in class. I don't usually advocate censorship in the classroom, but I feel compelled to do so this time.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
#45: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
One day at lunch a dear friend raved about how much she loved A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She said it was such a good book that it made her want to write a term paper on the abundant symbolism found in the novel. I have never heard a grown adult say that about a book before. Ever. Needless to say I left lunch, went to Barnes and Noble, bought the book, and started reading as soon as I got home.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is about the Nolan family who lived in Williamsburg, NY (in the slums of Brooklyn) from 1902-1919. Francie, I would say, is the main character, or the main subject of the book (and I would also hazard a guess that she is the metaphorical tree who grew in Brooklyn, although there is a real tree in Brooklyn, too) and through her we are told the story of her family. It is both a heart wrenching and inspiring story that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page and closed the book. It will make you love and appreciate your family in a way you never thought you could. It will make you appreciate every job you've ever had, every piece of clothing in your closet, and all of the luxuries we take for granted on a daily basis. And most of all it will make you appreciate the education that you have in a way that you may never have before. This book will humble you, I feel certain. And in 2017, I suspect we could all use a little humbling.
Until reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, my favorite book of all time was Wuthering Heights. After reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, my NEW favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I just adore this story. Adore.
Add this one to your list, but be warned I am not loaning this one out. This one stays on my shelf. Because I might one day be missing Francie and want to open the book and read about her and her family for a little while.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is about the Nolan family who lived in Williamsburg, NY (in the slums of Brooklyn) from 1902-1919. Francie, I would say, is the main character, or the main subject of the book (and I would also hazard a guess that she is the metaphorical tree who grew in Brooklyn, although there is a real tree in Brooklyn, too) and through her we are told the story of her family. It is both a heart wrenching and inspiring story that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page and closed the book. It will make you love and appreciate your family in a way you never thought you could. It will make you appreciate every job you've ever had, every piece of clothing in your closet, and all of the luxuries we take for granted on a daily basis. And most of all it will make you appreciate the education that you have in a way that you may never have before. This book will humble you, I feel certain. And in 2017, I suspect we could all use a little humbling.
Until reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, my favorite book of all time was Wuthering Heights. After reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, my NEW favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I just adore this story. Adore.
Add this one to your list, but be warned I am not loaning this one out. This one stays on my shelf. Because I might one day be missing Francie and want to open the book and read about her and her family for a little while.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
#44: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
If you love Harry Potter, you must read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them! You must! The story won't give you new insight into Harry Potter (even though the main character wrote one of the textbooks Harry uses at Hogwarts), but it will give you that little bit of a magic fix that us Harry Potter lovers miss now that the series is over. And even more spectacular is that this story takes places in the United States--wizards are not just in England, you know!
Once you read the screenplay (and since it is a screen play it goes so much faster than a typical Harry Potter book), go see the brilliant movie. Bloody brilliant!
Happy reading!
-Dodie
Once you read the screenplay (and since it is a screen play it goes so much faster than a typical Harry Potter book), go see the brilliant movie. Bloody brilliant!
Happy reading!
-Dodie
#43: small great things by Jodi Picoult
I love reading books by Jodi Picoult. They challenge not only my head but also my heart, as they push me to think about things that I normally wouldn't and to feel things I never thought I could feel.
At a time in American history where the issue of Black vs. White seems to have resurfaced once again, small great things is a timely novel. It is the story of Ruth, an experienced labor and delivery nurse who happens to be African American. It is also the story of Turk and Brit, parents of baby Davis, who happen to be white supremacists and who do not wish Ruth to touch their son. So, what happens when Davis goes into distress and Ruth is the only nurse in the room?
I don't plan to tell you because that would ruin the book for you and you must read it on your own. But what I will tell you is that I was raised by my mother to look beyond how someone looks and to focus instead on a person's actions so this novel was hard for me to read at times because I just couldn't understand how anybody could treat Ruth as she was treated. This is an intelligent woman with more than 20 years of experience in a delivery room. I can't think of anyone who I would want more helping me through childbirth or caring for my newborn than Ruth, no matter what her skin color happens to be. I suspect that's exactly what Picoult would hope her readers would feel, but you never know what side people might take in a story such as this one. I suspect there may have been readers who could relate to Turk and Brit's wishes.
The resolution to the problem posed by this novel was a bit of a surprise for me, but Picoult always has a way of making her readers scratch their head with something they never saw coming (or maybe it's just me!). It's part of what makes me look forward to reading her books; I can always expect the unexpected.
Read this one. Stretch your mind and your soul. It's a good one.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
At a time in American history where the issue of Black vs. White seems to have resurfaced once again, small great things is a timely novel. It is the story of Ruth, an experienced labor and delivery nurse who happens to be African American. It is also the story of Turk and Brit, parents of baby Davis, who happen to be white supremacists and who do not wish Ruth to touch their son. So, what happens when Davis goes into distress and Ruth is the only nurse in the room?
I don't plan to tell you because that would ruin the book for you and you must read it on your own. But what I will tell you is that I was raised by my mother to look beyond how someone looks and to focus instead on a person's actions so this novel was hard for me to read at times because I just couldn't understand how anybody could treat Ruth as she was treated. This is an intelligent woman with more than 20 years of experience in a delivery room. I can't think of anyone who I would want more helping me through childbirth or caring for my newborn than Ruth, no matter what her skin color happens to be. I suspect that's exactly what Picoult would hope her readers would feel, but you never know what side people might take in a story such as this one. I suspect there may have been readers who could relate to Turk and Brit's wishes.
The resolution to the problem posed by this novel was a bit of a surprise for me, but Picoult always has a way of making her readers scratch their head with something they never saw coming (or maybe it's just me!). It's part of what makes me look forward to reading her books; I can always expect the unexpected.
Read this one. Stretch your mind and your soul. It's a good one.
Happy reading!
-Dodie
Friday, October 28, 2016
#42: The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino
If you love Fixer Upper on HGTV, you MUST read this heart-warming rags to riches tale of my favorite (not just mine, half the world loves these two!) house flippers from Waco, Texas. Their story is easy to read--you can almost hear them telling the story--and a quick read at that. But more importantly, their story is inspirational. It reminds us that good things happen to people who work hard, who have faith, and who love each other no matter what.
One day I will get to Waco and when I do I am going to The Silos. One day. In the meantime I will watch Fixer Upper and dream about Joanna and Chip making over my house. My dream...sigh...
Happy reading, everyone!
-Dodie
One day I will get to Waco and when I do I am going to The Silos. One day. In the meantime I will watch Fixer Upper and dream about Joanna and Chip making over my house. My dream...sigh...
Happy reading, everyone!
-Dodie
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